If you’re not sure how your home’s septic system works – you’re not alone. There are a lot of homeowners who don’t know the ins and outs of their septic tank, and usually don’t inquire until there’s a problem.

How Does Your Home’s Septic Tank Work?

The septic system can often be neglected and becoming familiar with the mechanics of it may help you in the long run.

What is a Septic Tank?

In short, a home’s septic tank is an underground container that is connected to inlet and outlet pipes. The inlet pipe carries everything from the drains in your home to the tank and the outlet pipe sends the partially treated wastewater to the drain field.

What Happens Inside the Septic Tank?

Beneficial bacteria inside the tank breaks up wastewater into layers, sending non-decomposed solids (sludge) to the bottom and lighter solids such as oil and grease to the top (scum). The wastewater that’s left will head for the drain field.

The liquid will drip through pipes into (usually) a gravel trench and then into the soil. The soil acts as another layer of treatment.

Regular Septic Pumping

If there’s too much sludge in your septic tank, it will continue to build up and eventually exit through the outlet pipe. You also don’t want excess scum to work its way down and out to the drain field. Routine septic pumping will keep all layers in check.

Keep Your Septic System Working

As with any other home maintenance, scheduling pump inspections and service regularly can extend the life of your septic system. A knowledgeable septic professional can help you decide your system’s needs based on variables such as household size and tank capacity.

Is It Time to Have Your Septic Pumped?

Call us at (248) 332-6476 or contact us online to schedule your Oakland County, MI septic cleaning. If you prefer, send us a message through our Facebook page! Our fully-license and insured team can help you with all commercial and residential septic needs. We specialize in septic tanks, septic tank cleaning, waste removal, and 24-hour emergency services.

If you’re like most people, what happens in the restroom stays in the restroom. If you’re one of those comfortable folks who have no problem announcing every detail that happens in there – more power to you. That being said, sometimes there are issues that aren’t fully addressed when it comes to flushing the toilet. There are some things that simply should not be flushed – and millions of people flush them each day.

To Flush or Not to Flush – That is the Question

In reality – nothing more than human waste and toilet paper should be sent down the toilet. In some cases, you may be flushing too much toilet paper, or even too thick of a ply than what your septic can handle. As our paper options at the store increase, it may be a good idea just to stick with a simple lightweight toilet paper that will get the job done.

Items Not to Flush

We get it – accidents happen. There are some items like telephones that are mistakenly dropped in commodes, and children who like to see their toys swirl down the drain. While those items are quite obvious, there are a number of questionable items that also shouldn’t be flushed.

Baby/adult wipes – Even if the package claims that these popular wipes are flushable, they shouldn’t be. As time goes on, findings are that these wipes aren’t breaking down the way they’re supposed to and still creating massive clogs.

Diapers – In most instances, flushing a diaper happens by accident; however, there are some who have done this intentionally. Diapers – if they make it down – will expand and can eventually block the system.

Paper towels and napkins – Unfortunately, these items aren’t designed to dissolve like toilet tissue and wreak havoc on your septic. If you find yourself staring at an empty toilet paper roll, use what you need, but throw it away in a waste container.

Feminine products – These items are created to expand – not dissolve. Any type of feminine product should be thrown in the trash.

Have Questions About Your Septic?

Call us at (248) 332-6476 or contact us online to schedule your Oakland County, MI septic cleaning. We serve all of Oakland County including Bloomfield Hills, Clarkston, Holly, Milford, Novi, White Lake and more! Our fully-licensed and insured team can help you with all commercial and residential septic needs. Shorty’s Sanitary Service specializes in septic tanks, septic tank cleaning, waste removal, and 24-hour emergency services.

Septic Tank Cleaning

Let’s face it – having your septic tank pumped regularly is probably the last thing on your mind. Most homeowners don’t think about their sewer until problems – or emergencies – arise. It’s understandable that what is out of sight can sometimes be out of mind. Here are some tips to know when you need septic tank cleaning services.

Snail’s Pace Drainage

If things seem to be moving slower down your drains – it’s time to have your septic inspected and cleaned. Problems can appear in more areas than the commode. Your tubs and washing machine will sometimes give you signs before you have a chronically clogged toilet.

The Grass Shouldn’t Be Greener

Excess waste liquid can cause your lawn to look healthier over the septic drain field than the rest of your lawn. Give your septic professional a call if you notice a difference.

Lingering Odor or Water

If you’re noticing an ever-present odor from inside or outside your home, this could be an indicator that your septic needs maintenance. This goes for any standing water around the tank or drain field as well.

Regular Septic Maintenance

As with any other home maintenance, scheduling pump inspections and service regularly can extend the life of your septic system. A knowledgeable septic professional can help you decide your system’s needs based on variables such as household size and tank capacity. With regular cleaning, you can help prevent all the issues above.

Is It Time to Have Your Septic Pumped?

Call us at (248) 332-6476 or contact us online to schedule your Oakland County, MI septic cleaning. We serve all of Oakland County including Bloomfield Hills, Clarkston, Holly, Milford, Novi, White Lake and more! Our fully-licensed and insured team can help you with all commercial and residential septic needs. Shorty’s Sanitary Service specializes in septic tanks, septic tank cleaning, waste removal, and 24-hour emergency services.